Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of destabilizing double-stranded nucleic acid hybridization using an enzyme comprising DNA N-glycosylase activity. Also disclosed herein is the detection of a double-stranded target DNA wherein the hybridization of duplex strands has been at least partially disrupted thereby permitting invasion of a probe strand. Also disclosed herein are methods of using an enzyme comprising DNA N-glycosylase activity to generate single-stranded circular nucleic acids.

Abstract: A plastics pipe provided with engageable fastener elements on an outer surface thereof, a method for manufacturing the pipe, and a fastener system comprising inter-engageable fastener elements on an outer surface of a pipe and a support therefore.

Abstract: A single-wafer, chemical vapor deposition reactor is provided with hydrogen and silicon source gas suitable for epitaxial silicon deposition, as well as a safe mixture of oxygen in a non-reactive gas. Methods are provided for forming oxide and silicon layers within the same chamber. In particular, a sacrificial oxidation is performed, followed by a hydrogen bake to sublime the oxide and leave a clean substrate. Epitaxial deposition can follow in situ. A protective oxide can also be formed over the epitaxial layer within the same chamber, preventing contamination of the critical epitaxial layer. Alternatively, the oxide layer can serve as the gate dielectric, and a polysilicon gate layer can be formed in situ over the oxide.

Abstract: A new, effective and cost-efficient method of introducing Fluorine into Hf-based dielectric gate stacks of planar or multi-gate devices (MuGFET), resulting in a significant improvement in both Negative and Positive Bias Temperature Instabilities (NBTI and PBTI) is provided. The new method uses an SF6 based metal gate etch chemistry for the introduction of Fluorine, which after a thermal budget within the standard process flow, results in excellent F passivation of the interfaces. A key advantage of the method is that it uses the metal gate etch for F introduction, requiring no extra implantations or treatments. In addition to the significant BTI improvement with the novel method, a better Vth control and increased drive current on MuGFET devices is achieved.

Abstract: A computing system is configured to accept bid rules from merchants for the placement of ads for a plurality of products. The bid rules comprise a bid amount, a rule definition and a priority. The bid amount may be an absolute bid or it may be relative to base advertising rate. The rule definition comprises criteria for describing products to determine when the bid rule is applied to a product for sale. The priority indicates whether the bid rule applies to a particular product when the rule definition of more than one bid rule could be applied to a product. The computing system is also configured to generate a list of product offers based at least in part on the bids. The system may also generate reports for merchants.

Abstract: An organic light emitting display capable of displaying an image with uniform luminance regardless of deterioration of an organic light emitting diode and threshold voltage and/or mobility of a drive transistor is disclosed. The organic light emitting display senses deterioration of the organic light emitting diode and threshold voltage and/or mobility of a drive transistor and modifies the data supplied to the pixel according to the sensed parameters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a head includes a slider and a head section on the slider. A supporting surface of the slider includes a leading step in an inflow side of airflow, a leading pad on the leading step, a negative-pressure cavity in a downstream side of the leading pad, a trailing step in an outflow end side of the airflow, a center rail extending from the leading step to the trailing step, a guide groove in the center rail, configured to guide the airflow to the trailing step, and an intake groove formed in the leading pad, extending in a direction transverse to the airflow, communicating with the guide groove, and includes two end parts in its longitudinal direction, the two end parts extending in a direction of the airflow and forming openings open to the inflow side of the leading pad.

Abstract: A pouch-type secondary battery including: an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator; a negative electrode tab electrically connected to the negative electrode plate and having a first tab tape; and a positive electrode tab electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and having a second tab tape wherein one or two of end portions which the positive electrode tab crosses are located inside a sealing portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that simulate a credit score. The system enables a user to modify a credit data element in order to determine its effect on a credit score. The user can modify the element directly or simulate an action that, if performed, would modify the element. Since the number of possible modifications and actions can be overwhelming, in one embodiment, the system suggests modifications and actions to be simulated. These suggestions can be tailored to a user's goal, such as increasing a credit score by a particular number of points or allocating a particular sum of money in order to maximize a credit score. In one embodiment, the system obtains credit data from multiple credit bureaus and can determine credit scores using different algorithms, such as the different algorithms used by the different credit bureaus.

Abstract: A method of serving query statements from one or more client machines using a database management system (DBMS) employing a relational data store and a multi-dimensional database (MDDB). A query interface is adapted to receive query statements from the client machines, and generate one or more query requests. A query handling mechanism (i) receives each request from the query interface, (ii) extracts a set of dimensions associated with the request, (iii) uses the dimensions to retrieve aggregated fact data from the MDDB, and (iv) forwards retrieved aggregated fact data to the query processing mechanism for subsequent processing.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a battery connector. The battery connector includes a plurality of signal terminals separated from each other by a first distance, a positive terminal separated from the plurality of signal terminals by a second distance greater than the first distance, an insulative positioning pin between the plurality of signal terminals and the positive terminal, protruding farther than the positive terminal, and a negative terminal separated from the plurality of signal terminals by a third distance greater than the first distance and protruding farther than the positive terminal, the plurality of signal terminals being between the positioning pin and the negative terminal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and apparatuses related to multilevel encoding with error correction. In some embodiments, a plurality of bits may be encoded into a plurality of multilevel memory cells by level-shifting a subset of the plurality of multilevel memory cells for a bit of the plurality of bits. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those involving array/port consolidation and/or swapping. One such apparatus includes a plurality of port pads including a plurality of contacts; a plurality of memory arrays; and a plurality of master data lines. Each of the master data lines extends in a space between one of the port pads and a respective one of the memory arrays. Each of the master data lines is electrically connectable to the contacts of a respective one of the port pads. The apparatus further includes a plurality of local data lines, each of which extends over a respective one of the memory arrays. Each of the local data lines is electrically connectable to a respective one of the master data lines. At least one of the local data lines extends over at least two of the memory arrays. This configuration allows memory array consolidation and/or swapping without increasing die space for additional routing and adversely affecting performance of the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit, a shift actuator, various sensors, and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an antistatic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition which is excellent in antistatic property and antistatic property with time of a non-electrification-prevented adherend (subject to be protected) upon peeling, and has reduced stainability in an adherend and is excellent in adhesion reliance, and electrification preventing pressure-sensitive adhesive sheets using the same. There is provided a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition comprising an ionic liquid, and a (meth)acryl-based polymer containing, as a monomer component, 0.01 to 20% by weight of a reactive surfactant shown by the following general formula (I) as a monomer unit.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.

Abstract: Opportunity distribution systems and methods distribute business opportunities received from lead sources for routing to one or more destination businesses that will make use the opportunity, such as an opportunity to place a webpage advertisement on a webpage that is being served to a viewer. The system identifies a set of most profitable destinations for each opportunity, for each routing, while complying with business rules associated with the opportunity source and the destination businesses. System variables associated with the lead source and the destinations may be advantageously adjusted to maintain desired flow rate and quality levels of leads to each destination and to maximize profit to the system. A system administrator module and log of lead transactions allows the system to review previous performance and to carry out simulations in order to identify desired adjustments to system variables.

Abstract: Cleaning devices which use cleaning sheets affixed in traps are disclosed. The traps comprise first and second jaws, each comprising base and forward portions, each forward position having a forward surface. The forward portion of the second jaw is flexible in at least a first direction, such as towards a surface over which the device is configured to move. When the second jaw is relaxed, the forward portion of the second jaw is substantially coplanar with the forward portion of the first jaw and the forward surfaces are proximate or touching. When the second jaw is flexed in the first direction (e.g., by the application of a force from a user), the forward surface of the forward portion of the second jaw moves in the first direction, away from the forward surface of the first jaw. This opens a gap through which a portion of a sheet may be inserted.

Abstract: The present application provides methods for identifying compounds for inhibiting DNA damage-induced Htt proteolysis, and methods and compositions for protecting cells from DNA damage-induced cleavage of Htt.

Abstract: A portable air sterilization apparatus includes a portable chamber forming an interior volume, a portable source for producing a single beam of collimated light energy, and a rotating beam redirector. The portable chamber includes a first end for introducing air into the chamber, a second end for permitting air to exit from the chamber, a transparent orifice through which a single beam of collimated light energy can be introduced into the interior volume of the chamber; and at least one reflective wall. The rotating beam redirector is adapted to rotate through a complete revolution about a rotational axis and to redirect the single beam of collimated light energy within the chamber during said revolution.